Family Weekend Schedule of Events

September 18-September 20

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Family Weekend Food Drive for the Bear Pantry

During Family Weekend in partnership with Missouri State Bears, we will be collecting donations for the Bear Pantry. Items needed include: Pastas, soup, canned fruit, condiments and dressings, grains: rice, quinoa and oats, shampoo and conditioner. Donation boxes are located across campus and at the weekend athletic events.

If you have questions about other tickets, contact Priscilla Childress at 417-836-3060 or pchildress@missouristate.edu.

Friday, September 18

Check–In and Information (first 300 families to check-in receive a goodie bag)
4 – 7 p.m.
Plaster Student Union
Pick up your tickets for weekend events (football tickets are mailed to the address provided when you ordered)

BearWear @ the Bookstore
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Missouri State Bookstore
Get ready for “BearWear Friday” –a longstanding Missouri State tradition—by heading to the Bookstore for your MSU merchandise. Then, take a picture of you and your family in your BearWear for a chance to be featured on the MSU website! We’re giving family members a 20% discount on BearWear and souvenirs.

Field of Memories Exhibit
All Day
Plaster Student Union North Mall
Field of Memories is a powerful visual display of numbered flags representing the approximate 1,100 suicides that occur on U.S. college campuses each year. This exhibit is displayed to bring awareness to this epidemic and share suicide prevention resources.

Foster Recreation Center Open House
4 – 7 p.m.
Foster Recreation Center
Get active and enjoy a workout or swim with your student at Foster Recreation Center. Families can use the FRC to workout with their students. A signed waiver of consent is needed to use the facility. Family members can fill out the waiver form at the front desk of the center.

BearWear Bingo
hosted by the Missouri State Bookstore, Family Programs and Student Activities Council
7 p.m.
Plaster Student Theatre
Come enjoy a great evening of BearWear Bingo, win some prizes and enjoy delicious snacks. Bingo has never been so fun! First-come-First-serve seating!

Saturday, September 19th

Ticket Pick-up and Information
8 – 10 a.m.
Plaster Student Union, Grand Ballroom Information Desk (3rd Floor)

Inspire the Roar 5K hosted by Campus Recreation
8 a.m.
Campus Rec - Start and Finish

Join us for the Inspire the Roar 5K, a spirited run/walk through the beautiful Missouri State University campus! Whether you're a Bear looking to set a personal record, a family member wanting to explore campus, or someone who just loves a good fun run, this event is for YOU. All fitness levels are welcome!

This Family Weekend tradition is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of Bear pride, wellness, and community. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt (while supplies last), and awards will be given to top finish More information to come soon!

Family Weekend Welcome Brunch
9 - 10:30 a.m.
Plaster Student Union Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor)

Join MSU Parent and Family Programs for the Official Family Weekend 2025 kick-off celebration, as you indulge in a delectable brunch. Visit with members of the Career Center staff and administration. A short program, featuring President Richard Williams will start at 9:15 am. Featured entertainment will be Sound Beareier, a campus acapella group. Ticket Required Come and Go Event.

Family Photos at Potter’s House
9 a.m. – 12 noon
Potter’s House (724 S. National Ave (across from the Welcome Center)
Head over to the Potter’s House coffee shop, buy a drink, enjoy $1 off the signature drink (the Oreo Quicksand) and get a free family photo, (families will have access to the free digital files).

BearWear @ the Bookstore
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Missouri State Bookstore
Head to the Bookstore to pick up some MSU merchandise! Then, take a picture of you and your family in your BearWear for a chance to be featured on the MSU website! We’re giving family members a 20% discount on BearWear and souvenirs.

Foster Recreation Center Open House
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Foster Recreation Center
Get active and enjoy a workout (or a swim) with your student at Foster Recreation Center. Families will have the opportunity to use the FRC to workout with their students. A signed waiver of consent is needed to use the facility. Fill out the waiver form at the front desk of the center.

Bear Family Tailgate - Come and Go Event
sponsored by the Traditions Council and Parent and Family Programs
Time to be announced
BearFest Village - Large Tent Next to the Glass Hall
Join the fun of BearFest Village at the Bear Family Tailgate! Hang out with family and friends, enjoy performances by the Pride Band and cheer on our Missouri State Football team as they make their way to the field. Food is served. Coolers are welcome. Suggestion: Bring chairs because the tent will be crowded. Tickets Required.

MSU Football Game vs. Marshall
time to be announced
Plaster Stadium
Show your Bear pride as you cheer the team on as they take the field against UT Martin! Also, get ready for a whirlwind of surprises and activities for you and your family throughout the game. Go Bears! Ticket required. Discount Family Football Tickets will go on sale in early June.

Sunday, September 20

BearWear @ the Bookstore
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Missouri State Bookstore
Head to the Bookstore to pick up some MSU merchandise! Then, take a picture of you and your family in your BearWear for a chance to be featured on the MSU website! 20% discount for family members on BearWear and souvenirs.

Foster Recreation Center Open House
11 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Foster Recreation Center
Get active and enjoy a workout (or a swim) with your student at Foster Recreation Center! Families will have the opportunity to use the FRC to workout with their students. A signed waiver of consent is needed to use the facility. Family members can fill out the waiver form at the front desk of the center.

Sparkling Sunday Brunch
sponsored by Missouri State Dining Services
8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Blair- Shannon Dining Center
Enjoy a sparkling brunch in Blair-Shannon Dining Center as you get ready to bid farewell to your student. Parents eat free with a student (student must have a meal plan). Additional guests are $9.50 each, payable at the door.

Explore Springfield
Get your outdoor supplies at the 300,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shop including the Wonders of Wildlife, experience history first-hand as you go on the “Battle of Springfield Driving Tour,” or experience the “home of the throwed rolls” in the Ozarks. Finish up the weekend by taking some time to explore the Springfield community with your student.